Dental Bonding

At Revelstoke Dental Centre in Revelstoke, we provide dental bonding for patients who wish to repair damaged teeth that are worn, chipped, decayed, or discoloured. It can also be used to aesthetically alter the appearance of a tooth and fill in gaps between teeth.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a restorative dental treatment designed to repair a damaged tooth that is either worn, chipped, decayed or discoloured. Dental bonding is also used to aesthetically alter the appearance of a tooth by closing gaps between teeth, by changing tooth position, and by changing the structure of the tooth.

How is dental bonding performed?

After removing the damaged area (if needed), we bond a tooth-coloured material called composite resin onto the affected tooth. The tooth is restored by preparing it’s surface and then "etching it" to increase its adhesive area.

A primer is then applied which decreases sensitivity and increases adhesive potential.

Next, the prepared area of the tooth is coated with a bonding liquid, which is set by shining a bright light on the tooth.

Once the liquid sets, the previously colour-matched composite resin is placed onto your tooth and sculpted to the desired shape. The light is used a second time to harden the composite.

After the composite has set, the restoration is sculpted and polished to a high gloss. Now the aesthetic imperfections have been corrected and the bonded tooth blends beautifully into the smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is composite resin (white filling material)?

Composite resin is a tooth-coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). When first introduced, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the wear and pressure generated by back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed on back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for aesthetic improvements by changing the colour of teeth, filling gaps between teeth, or reshaping teeth.

How is a composite placed?

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

How long does it take to place a composite?

It takes the dentist about 15 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity. The larger the size, the longer it will take.

What are the advantages of composites?

Aesthetics are the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a colour nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Dental bonding treatments are advantageous because one or more teeth can be corrected during a single appointment and the results are immediate.

What are the disadvantages of composites?

Composite resin restorations have their limitations. After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-treatment sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee, or other staining beverages/foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the colour from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about discolouration.

Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. They can chip or break over time if they are abused and bonded surfaces dull and discolour if not kept clean.

Proper home care and regular professional cleanings are essential to keep the restored teeth healthy and beautiful.